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Pakistan's first Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner arrives via wet lease from Norse Atlantic
Pakistan International Airlines received its first Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner on November 1, 2026, leased from Norwegian carrier Norse Atlantic Airways under a wet lease agreement. The aircraft, arriving from London, marks a milestone in PIA's fleet modernization and is expected to support expanded long-haul operations, particularly on Pakistan-UK routes.
Quick Facts
- Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft arrival in Islamabad
- Wet lease (ACMI) agreement execution
- Receipt of water cannon salute at airport
- PIA's fleet modernization initiative
- Expansion of Pakistan-UK flight routes



Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) received its first Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner on November 1, 2026, when the aircraft arrived in Islamabad on flight PK-786 from London Heathrow Airport. The plane, approximately eight years old with a seating capacity of 358 passengers, has been leased to PIA under an Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance and Insurance (ACMI) wet lease agreement with Norwegian airline Norse Atlantic Airways. Under this arrangement, Norse Atlantic provides the aircraft, crew, and remains responsible for maintenance and insurance.
PIA Chief Executive Officer Air Vice Marshal Aamir Hayat welcomed the aircraft at Islamabad International Airport, where it received a traditional water cannon salute. The Dreamliner is equipped with modern in-flight entertainment systems and features a spacious cabin designed for passenger comfort. It represents a significant development in PIA's fleet modernization strategy, making PIA the first Pakistani airline to operate a Boeing 787-9 commercially.
The arrival is part of a broader expansion effort following PIA's privatization in December 2025, when the Arif Habib Consortium acquired a 75 percent stake. In October 2026, PIA signed an ACMI lease agreement with Norse Atlantic Airways for two Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, with this being the first delivery. The second aircraft is expected to follow. These aircraft are expected to support PIA's long-haul operations, particularly on routes between Pakistan and the United Kingdom.
PIA resumed direct flights to London in March 2026 after a six-year hiatus, initially operating three weekly flights from Islamabad and one from Lahore. The addition of the Dreamliners will increase weekly UK-bound flights to seven. The new aircraft are considered highly fuel-efficient and suitable for extended range operations, aligning with PIA's stated objective to expand international connectivity and improve passenger experience according to international standards.
The Aircraft Owners and Operators Association (AOOA) Pakistan acknowledged the milestone as significant for PIA's revival, though it emphasized that modern aircraft alone would not restore the airline's standing. The organization stressed the importance of improved service standards, punctual operations, quality facilities, modern booking systems, and better customer service alongside fleet renewal. It noted that financial discipline and profitable route planning were also essential for PIA's long-term success.
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Why This Matters
PIA's acquisition of its first wide-body long-range aircraft expands Pakistan's commercial aviation capacity on international routes. The wet lease agreement introduces modern fuel-efficient aircraft to routes between Pakistan and the UK, with weekly London-bound frequencies increasing from three to seven flights upon delivery of both leased aircraft. Operational impact: improved airline competitiveness, reduced journey times, and increased seat availability on high-demand UK routes. Industry observers note that fleet modernization alone requires parallel improvements in service standards and operational efficiency to sustain profitability.
Timeline & Sources
Oct 31, 2026
WireFirst Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner departs London Heathrow as flight PK-786 for Pakistan
Nov 1, 2026
WireBoeing 787-9 Dreamliner arrives in Islamabad; receives water cannon salute; welcomed by PIA CEO Air Vice Marshal Aamir Hayat
Sources
- PIA’s first Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner arrives in PakistanBusiness RecorderMediaNov 1, 2026
- PIA welcomes its first Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner in IslamabadThe Express TribuneMediaNov 1, 2026
- PIA’s first Dreamliner on wet lease departs London on maiden Pakistan flightThe News PakistanMediaOct 31, 2026
- PIA's first Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner arrives in IslamabadDawnMediaNov 1, 2026